Church as Architecture
Ekklesia: Metaphors of the Church • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 1 viewJesus is our Chief Cornerstone.
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Assembling all my thoughts, no pun intended, this week about this I was reminded of the many building projects I have been in where this image makes so much sense!
For all the DIY builders and professional grade tradies, this metaphor hammers the point down completely. No pun again. I am sorry.
Let’s take a look at the text...
Historical Texts
Historical Texts
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
therefore thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
a stone, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:
‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
And I will make justice the line,
and righteousness the plumb line;
and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,
and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”
Here we see that the People of God are the Temple of God!
This image is not just found in the Old Testament but later carried thru into the Gospels and Pastoral letters to Jewish and Gentile believers.
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—
Cornerstone Context
Cornerstone Context
What are they?
What are they?
Bill Warch helps unpack the significance of “cornerstones”:
“The cornerstone's three distinct characteristics distinguish it from the other stones used in construction; building orientation, history, and celebration.
History, the cornerstone was the first stone set during the building process. Careful measurements were taken to ensure the cornerstone was square to ensure the proper alignment of the remainder of the building.
In the past, buildings were designed and built in relation to certain astronomical points of the compass. Ancient cultures believed that the position of heavenly bodies regulated life, fortune, and success; therefore, cornerstones were commonly placed facing the Northeast because it was thought this location would bring harmony and prosperity to the building and its owners. The ancient civilizations often performed a ceremonial ritual when the cornerstone was placed.
The architects, builders, owners, dignitaries or religious leaders would place a sacrifice, such as wine, grain, water, or even blood offering, atop the cornerstone and dedicate it to their gods. In other cultures, relics and artifacts of the community's patron saint were placed inside the cornerstone. They believed the saint would bless the church and its members.
In the early 19th and 20th century, cornerstones were hollowed out and placed in a prominent location on the front of a building. These stones often had an inscription, such as the name of the owner, the name of the builder, or the year the structure was built. Often, the cornerstone was hollowed out, and important documents, newspaper clippings, books, or photographs were placed into a metal receptacle and then placed inside the hollowed-out area in the cornerstone before it was put in place.
You may pass by cornerstones without ever noticing them; however, you can find a great deal of information about the building from these inscribed stones. They are often found on historic buildings and homes in communities around the world.”
Building Terms
Building Terms
Level
Level
“Level” is what you call a perfectly horizontal line. Horizontal means side to side. To be level with the world means to be parallel with the horizon.
when building the bricks side by side so they all form a perfect horizontal line.
Plumb
Plumb
“Plumb” is what you call a perfectly vertical line. Vertical means up and down. Something that is “plumb” runs perpendicular to the horizon—meaning that when it intersects the horizon, it makes a right (90 degree) angle.
building the wall up, it’s the degree off 90, that can make the whole structure not “true”
What is “True”?
What is “True”?
In construction, “true” is about everything being lined up correctly. Your lines should be perfectly vertical (plumb) and horizontal (level), and your corners should be exactly 90 degrees (square).
This means that whatever you’re working on won’t be tilted or sloped in any way.
Every element of your orientation must be exact. Nothing should lean in any direction. If just one corner or one line of what you’re building isn’t straight, then what you’re doing won’t be true.
The Rejected stone becomes the Chief Cornerstone!
The Rejected stone becomes the Chief Cornerstone!
this is the first immovable “true” stone to be laid in the ground where EVERYTHING will be built from.
this usually in stone masonry will be the best, smoothest and perfect stone in the pile.
The Jewish authorities rejected Jesus as the Saviour of the World. God so loves this world and his church that Jesus dies for all our sins to be forgiven! He becomes the foundational stone where all things new are built from.
Living Stones Meaning
Living Stones Meaning
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
God sends Jesus to be this cornerstone so that His Kingdom and Church can be “true” with His Character and Truth.
Jesus “levels” with the people he meets… like 1 Peter, people came to Jesus and they too were rejected by others or religious leaders and they found Belonging with Jesus.
Jesus “levels” with them. He tells them how it really it is...
Zacchaeus
Peter
Woman at the Well
Nicodemus
They all got some information about who they were and how God wants to transform them into something new and redeemed.
Jesus wants to “level with you” He wants to level horizontally (your relationships with the world) and plumb (your relationship with the Triune God) Are you ready to be on the “level” with Jesus?
How? First, understand the worldly sinful ways are rejecting you. They are only looking out for themselves. Not what Jesus does, He calls you out!
Peter is chosen
Mary Magdalene is chosen
John is chosen
Jesus doesn't just choose and use people like normal bricks to build His structure called the church.
Jesus polishes, he cherishes, he tumbles, he waxes, he chisels, he sands, he buffs his LIVING stones! He calls you Precious!
Like Gollum, in the stories of Middle Earth written by J.R.R Tolkien, he sought out, fought to the death and to his own demise placed all his love and desire for his “precious” ring. God seeks you out constantly as like the “hound of heaven”! He calls you His precious and can’t wait to be with you and spend time with you! He can’t wait to build His church with you in it!
3. The Church is alive. We bring, as priests all of us, our own spiritual sacrifices to this Temple (Universal Priesthood)
a. God has called all of us to be in unity. To be level and plumb. To be “true” with God and with each other. We bring our Time, Talents and Treasures into this church!
Billy walked the office dog and folded the bulletins and made the coffee at the Forge (church).
Challenge
Challenge
So, is the church an actual physical address? sometimes it is. We are his church. He is our chief cornerstone and without him we will never be true, secure or sound.
What spiritual sacrifice do you bring into the church? What Time, talents and Treasures?
Do you want to receive prayer this morning to become one of these new, precious stones?
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